After Sudan’s Participation in Washington Spring Meetings: Growing Fear Over Suspension of International Funding

Sudanhorizon – Nazik Shammam

For the second consecutive year, Sudanese Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Dr. Jibril Ibrahim, placed his country’s war-stricken economy at the center of the agenda during the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WB), held in Washington, D.C., from April 21 to 27.

Leading Sudan’s delegation, Jibril presented the significant challenges facing the nation in the aftermath of the war, particularly the suspension of financing from international institutions, at a time when Sudan urgently needs global support and humanitarian assistance for those affected by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces militia.

Economic Prospects on the Horizon

During a meeting with Regis Nsindayi, Executive Director of the IMF’s Third African Group, Jibril provided a comprehensive briefing on Sudan’s latest economic developments, held on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings.

He highlighted early signs of positive change, noting a gradual recovery in national economic performance despite the war.

Commercial activity has shown marked improvement recently, coupled with ongoing stability in the national currency’s exchange rate — a reflection of emerging economic resilience.
Jibril predicted a qualitative economic transformation by early next year, driven by citizens returning to liberated areas and the resumption of trade and productive activities.

He emphasized that agricultural output during the conflict has exceeded levels achieved during previous peacetime years, dispelling rumors of an impending famine, and affirmed that Sudan is transitioning from emergency relief to sustainable development.

The meeting also explored common development challenges facing African nations and strategies to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through enhanced collective action within the First African Group.
Both parties underscored the importance of the group’s influence on IMF leadership decisions to ensure support for African countries, especially in vital sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, capacity building, and training of national cadres.

The discussion also emphasized empowering African youth within international financial institutions to strengthen their countries’ financial infrastructures.

Jibril expressed Sudan’s interest in leveraging the IMF’s technical expertise to enhance the capacities of national financial institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Sudan, the Central Bureau of Statistics, and the Taxation Authority.

The Executive Director pledged his personal commitment to advocate for Sudan on the international stage and announced plans to visit Sudan at the earliest opportunity, expressing solidarity with the Sudanese people and optimism for a return to peace and stability.

Sudan’s Engagement with the M300 Initiative

In a separate meeting with Zaro Wendelan, Executive Director of the World Bank’s First African Group, Jibril reviewed Sudan’s clear improvements in economic performance, exchange rate stability, and the revival of commerce and economic activity in secure areas.

He praised the resilience of the Sudanese people and their determination to rebuild economic life, raising hopes for recovery from the war’s devastation and achieving sustainable growth in the near future.

The discussions also covered Sudan’s participation in the “M300” Initiative, which aims to provide electricity to 300 million Africans by 2030.
The minister described the initiative as a strategic opportunity to strengthen Sudan’s reliance on clean and renewable energy sources, given their sustainability, stability, and lower long-term costs.
He noted that the government is working diligently to upgrade the country’s energy infrastructure to meet rising demand in an environmentally and economically responsible way.

Jibril and Wendelan also discussed the potential for World Bank support in assessing the humanitarian and environmental damage caused by the conflict.
The talks included proposals for dignified and humane removal of bodies, safe disposal of war debris, and clearance of unexploded ordnance that continue to pose threats to civilians and reconstruction efforts.

Energy and Electricity Sector Challenges

Addressing the obstacles facing Sudan’s energy sector, the minister revealed the extensive damage inflicted on infrastructure by militia attacks.
He stressed that Sudan urgently requires comprehensive rehabilitation of its electricity sector, viewing this as essential for economic, social, and national stability.

He also referenced the World Bank’s “M300” Initiative, launched at a conference in Tanzania last year, emphasizing its goal to deliver electricity to 300 million people globally by 2030.

Jibril regarded this initiative as a critical step toward advancing sustainable development and improving living standards in developing nations.

The initiative aims to address energy shortages, especially in fragile and conflict-affected states, by promoting investment in sustainable energy projects and expanding decentralized solutions such as solar energy and affordable renewable technologies.

Jibril called for Sudan’s inclusion among the initiative’s beneficiaries, citing low electrification rates, particularly in rural, border, and displacement-affected areas.

He stressed that expanding access to electricity is vital for achieving stability and sustainable development.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to strengthening energy sector infrastructure and improving the investment climate for renewable energy, aligning with the M300 vision and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Concerns Over Suspension of International Funding

In his meeting with Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Jibril raised the urgent humanitarian and economic issues facing Sudan today.
The meeting addressed several pressing topics, including meeting urgent humanitarian needs, facilitating the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons, and supporting the government’s ongoing efforts to achieve economic stability amid worsening national challenges.

Ibrahim reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting displaced communities and ensuring their dignified return to their hometowns.
He emphasized the importance of partnerships with international organizations, particularly the IOM, in implementing humanitarian and development programs.

The meeting also addressed technical and logistical arrangements for the government’s planned return to operating from the capital, Khartoum — a crucial step towards enhancing national unity and administrative effectiveness.

The potential impact of U.S. aid cuts to Sudan was also discussed, with both parties expressing deep concern over the potential negative consequences for humanitarian programs and the stability of the national economy.
The minister stressed the urgent need for continued international support, emphasizing that Sudan is navigating a delicate transitional phase requiring broad international solidarity to prevent a deepening humanitarian crisis.

Shortlink: https://sudanhorizon.com/?p=5344